As all parents of young children know, toddlers in particular are at increased risk for poisoning and mischievous behavior of all kinds. All toddlers (and especially 2-year-olds) like to investigate their surroundings whenever possible, a reality that sometimes leads them to eat, drink, touch, or breathe substances that can be toxic. Pediatrics jobs often involve helping parents either avoid these scenarios altogether, or, in the unfortunate case of an actual poisoning, a pediatrician can assist parents with treatment of a poisoned child.

Accidental and intentional exposures to toxic substances can happen to children of any age, but children younger than 6 years are disproportionally affected. For example, a study done in 2008 found that of all the poisonings reported to the American Association of Poison Control (a total of 2.5 million children), half of the cases (or 51%) were in children younger than 5 years. This is unsurprising given the natural curiosity of young children combined with their inability to read warning labels or recognize the danger that unfamiliar chemicals or substances can present to them.

One method to prevent childhood poisoning is parent education. Most pediatricians recommend that this begin at the 6-month well-baby visit. At this time, counseling on how to prevent children’s access to potentially toxic items can be given, in addition to take-home literature for parents. A reference guide with information on first-aid actions is most useful, along with lists of the most commonly dangerous items. For example, each season has its own dangers – fall and winter dangers include antifreeze, carbon monoxide, black widow spider bites, and autumn berries. Spring and summer, on the other hand, bring the danger of exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, outdoor plants, bee stings, ticks, and charcoal lighter fluid.

The best thing to do immediately after it is discovered that a child has consumed or inhaled poison is to call the poison control hotline – the 800 number will connect to the nearest center in any location in the United States [for reference, the number is 800-222-1222]. In cases where a child has inhaled a poisonous substance, get the child to fresh air right away, open doors and windows, and then call Poison Control. For skin contact with harmful substances, rinse skin with lukewarm water for 10 minutes, wash gently with soap and water, and rinse. In the case of accidentally ingested medicines, it is vital not to give the child anything to eat or drink until after the Poison Control center or the pediatrician has been consulted. In contrast, when chemicals or household products are accidentally consumed, give the child water or milk right away and then call Poison Control.

When a toddler or young child presents to the Emergency Department or to a pediatrician after a poisoning, the anticipated pharmacologic or toxic effects of the substance the patient is believed to have ingested should be compared with the clinical presentation of the patient. That is, diagnosis and therapy should be carried out in accordance with the clinical examination to provide the fastest relief to the patient. A pediatrician will select the best remedy possible given the symptoms. A specific treatment may be designed depending on what the child has been exposed to – some commonly used remedies include charcoal therapy, whole gut lavage (‘having one’s stomach cleaned’), and many others.

To learn more about great pediatrics jobs, visit PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115 for more information. You can also see and apply to hospitalist jobs, family practice jobs, internal medicine jobs and more.

To learn more about great pediatrics jobs, visit http://PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115 for more information. You can also see and apply to hospitalist jobs, internal medicine jobs, family practice jobs, and more. Search and application are always free and convenient.

Author Bio: To learn more about great pediatrics jobs, visit PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115 for more information. You can also see and apply to hospitalist jobs, family practice jobs, internal medicine jobs and more.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: pediatrics jobs, child safety, hospitalist jobs, family practice jobs, internal medicine jobs